Effect of Artificial Light Sources on the Growth of Apple Rootstock M.9 Seedling

Abstract

To investigate the effect of light sources on the growth and photosynthesis of the dwarf apple rootstock M.9 for the production of standard seedlings, the plants were cultivated in a controlled environment for 6 weeks. The sources of light are six treatments [Red (R), Blue (B), White (W), RBUV (R7B3 containing UV-A), RBW (R3B1W1), SMF (high pressure sodium + metal halide + fluorescent lamp) under 154μmol·m·s. Growth characteristics of apple seedlings varied depending on artificial light source at 3 weeks and 6 weeks. The plant height of apple seedling was high in the R, RBUV, RBW, and SMF light sources at 3 weeks, and in the R light at 6 weeks. There was no significant difference on stem diameter among the treatments at 3 weeks, but showed high in RBUV and RBW light at 6 weeks. Leaf number was the highest in RBUV light at 3 and 6 weeks. The chlorophyll content (SPAD value) was high in the B and RBUV light at 3 weeks, but it was not significant at 6 weeks. The growth rate to height of the R light (1.12mm/day) was the highest among the treatments, followed by RBUV, RBW, SMF, W and then B. Leaf area was the highest in RBUV and RBW lowest in B. Specific leaf area was high in W and fresh and dry weight were high in RBUV. The photosynthetic rate at 6 weeks was highest in the B and lowest in the R. Stomatal conductivity and transpiration rate were higher in the B and W compared to the other light sources. Therefore, we are considered that light sources for growth of dwarf apple rootstock M.9 seedlings are suitable the R, RBUV, and RBW light sources with a high mixing ratio of Red and Red +Blue. Additional key words : growth rate to height, leaf area, leaf number, photosynthetic rate, stem diameter